Willard Dale "Bill" Bowman

1933 - 2024

Willard "Bill" Dale Bowman, 90, of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at his residence. He was born April 21, 1933, in Stella, Mo., to the late "Doc" and Bessie Bowman. Bill retired from International Harvester in Louisville and Phillip Morris in Concord, N.C., before moving to Fairfield in 1995. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. An Army veteran, he picked up a lifelong preference for tea with milk and a bit of sugar while stationed in England. Exceptionally adept at mechanics, he repaired every broken thing brought to him by family, friends, and neighbors - guaranteeing his "work for 30 days or until your tail lights are out of sight, whichever comes first." Bill had a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. He was a steady, reliable, and rock-like foundation and support for his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mary Eleanore Bowman, whom he cared for tenderly at home throughout her very long decline from Alzheimer's. He was also preceded in death by his young sister, Wilma Nadine Bowman; his teenage brother, Jerry Bowman; and his adult brothers, Joe, Charles and Jim Bowman.
Bill is survived by his children, Mike Bowman of Fairfield, Mark (Sandra) Bowman of Lawrenceburg, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Kathie (Jesse, deceased) Estrada of Blanco, Texas, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Matt (Carmel) Bowman of Bardstown, and Karol (Chris) Tuke of Latonia, Ky.; his loving friend, Jean Carol Shields; his brothers, Sam (Betty Jo) Bowman and Kenny (Theresa) Bowman, 14 grandchildren; and six great- grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Fairfield. The Rev. Kirby Rust is the celebrant. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Monday at the Houghlin Funeral Home in Bloomfield and Tuesday from 8:30-10:45 a.m. A prayer service will be Monday at 6 p.m. Inurnment will be in St. Michael Church Cemetery at a later date.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Salvation Army of Nelson County in his memory.
Houghlin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.